Detectives have uncovered a suspected SIM-swap fraud scheme in which individuals allegedly posed as government officials conducting Social Health Authority (SHA) registration to obtain personal details from members of the public.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), a woman and two men had been moving around Mwea, Machakos, Kitui, Mwingi, and other areas while posing as SHA registration officials.

The suspects allegedly targeted members of the public, particularly the elderly, and collected their personal information during the registration exercise.

Detectives said the information was allegedly used to carry out SIM swaps, giving the suspects access to victims’ mobile money accounts and other digital wallets.

📌 What You Need to Know

The funds were subsequently transferred to accounts allegedly controlled by the fraudsters, according to investigators.

The alleged scheme comes against the backdrop of an earlier warning by SHA over individuals impersonating its officials and offering unofficial assistance to patients, healthcare providers and beneficiaries.

In a public notice issued on July 1, 2026, SHA said it had received reports of individuals falsely presenting themselves as its officers while offering assistance linked to SHA services.

The authority said some of the suspected fraudsters were allegedly demanding money, gifts, commissions or facilitation fees in exchange for promises of expedited approvals, preferential treatment, faster claims processing, payments, accreditation or registration services.

SHA stressed that its services are offered strictly through official channels, including SHA branch offices and Huduma Centres across the country.

Meanwhile, acting on intelligence, detectives from Kilifi South and Nyali mounted an operation in the Kwa Chief area of Mtwapa, where they arrested one of the suspected fraudsters.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke